Pollen Count

Our pollen counting station is certified by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). We are one of only approximately 70 certified stations in the U.S. We provide updated pollen and mold counts for the Santa Clara County, California area. These counts are for our patients. The counts are sent to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology for their website, www.aaaai.org, we are San Jose Station No. 1. (enlarge map to find San Jose Station No. 1) or go to https://pollen.aaaai.org/nab/collectors/#/

The AAAAI sponsored pollen counts are performed throughout the U.S. by allergists or their staff members. All pollen and spore counters are either certified or becoming certified by AAAAI. These are the most up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate source of pollen and spore counts available.

Here is the latest Santa Clara County Pollen Count.

AAAAI requires a log in so you may find it hard to get counts from AAAAI. Dr. Chu’s Station is San Jose Station No. 1. Dr. Chu will list the pollen counts here weekly for convenience:

*Date 4/27/24: Counts are in pollen grains or spores/cubic meter/24 hours. Trees: (108) High, Oak (42), Cedar (21) predominant; Grasses: (28), High; Weeds, (0) absent; Molds (1990) low, Ascospores (1370) Basidiospores (345), Cladosporia (232) predominant

How we do pollen counts

What do pollen/spore count numbers mean?

Pollen/spore counts are specific for different regions. Our pollen/spore counts are collected in the San Jose area, that is, the South Bay area of Santa Clara County, California. We are listed under the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website (www.aaaai.org) as San Jose Station No. 1.

Pollen counts are measured from slides taken from the Burkard Collector in pollen grains or mold spores/ cubic meter of air/24 hours.

These counts are then correlated to the number of grains or spores generally required to cause clinical symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or wheezing. The definitions vary for the different classes of pollens or spores:

PollensLowModerateHighVery high
Tree0-1415-8990-1499>1500
Grass0-45-1920-199>200
Weed0-910-4950-499>500
Mold0-65006500-1300013000-50000>50000

Generally these ratings correlate with how someone feels. Check your symptoms against the pollen count ratings and see if they correlate for you!